Best Players of the Top Ranked Teams: Wakefield High School

Saving the best for last, as <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/raleigh/wakefield-wolverines/soccer/schedule/">Wakefield High School</a> finishes this series. Finishing as the <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/soccer/rankings/1/?schoolid=69a6061d-665a-4672-bbc9-5788f1499c3c">top-ranked team in the state</a> and <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/soccer/rankings/1/?schoolid=69a6061d-665a-4672-bbc9-5788f1499c3c">top 20 in the country</a> is a well-deserved reward after their impressive season. Winning <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/soccer/24-25/conference/northern-athletic-4a/?leagueid=39c645b3-4097-4805-af44-2a4ca6ed8a05">their conference</a>, the <a href="https://www.nchsaa.org/bracket/2024-4a-mens-soccer-bracket/">4A</a> East region, and the state championship in resounding fashion, Wakefield played with no doubt that they were the best. A +70 goal difference, averaging over 3 goals a match and less than one conceded per match only partly shows how fantastic they were. This team is not lacking any talent, and these five are the best of the best.    This is Ibra's third mention, and each time I feel obligated to point out that he is one of the most exciting prospects at this level. The striker proves to be a constant danger in every match. On the ball, he is untreatable. Agile, fast, skillful, and intelligent, when he picks up the ball he embarrasses defenders for fun. He's also very active and won't shy away from duels. Despite not being the tallest player, he'll always go up for aerials and win quite often. When the other team's defense is in possession, he presses hard, making build-up difficult. His ability to shoot as well as he does is seriously impressive, making them seem effortless. This combined with his composed finishing technique makes him a deadly striker.     Eduardo is a left-winger with great defensive and offensive capabilities. He'll track back to offer more support to his left-back, making the other team's wide plays uncomfortable. He knows how to use his body to win the ball back as well. Offensively, he plays mostly out wide, opening up the channels for the rest of the team. The ability to use both feet with equal strength makes him extremely difficult to read, making him an asset both on and off the ball. When he has the ball, he dribbles with confidence and skill, making it hard to take the ball off of. His deliveries into the box add an extra layer to his offensive capabilities, creating chances from wide constantly.     Santiago is a pivotal player in this prolific attack playing as the attacking midfielder. When he's in possession, he demonstrates great agility and skill. He's intelligent in multiple senses, for example, he knows how to beat defenders simply and embarrassingly. Even if he's in a tight situation he gets out with a calm dribble or a pass. Passing is another one of his fortes, playing precise and excellent passes. He's a player who looks to play the ball into the final third as much as possible, even if he's not close to it. His technique to play passes adds to the difficulty defenders have to defend it, and the ease his attackers have to receive it.     Davison helps Wakefield be as effective as they are from the back. Tall and imposing goalkeeper, he keeps the backline in order. He's commanding and a great leader, constantly talking to his defenders. His leadership isn't unfounded either considering how brave he is. He'll come out and rush attackers as well as leaving his box to help whatever play he needs to. His long balls often get in or near the final third, while his short passing is always effective. He'll slot in between the center-backs and calmly scan for a pass to play. When it comes to goaltending, he pulls off incredible saves with remarkable ease.     Gabriel is a great center-back prospect, nailing down a starting spot in the best team's defense as a sophomore. He can act as either a center-back in a back 4 or a stopper in a back 3, but in either he'll never look out of position. In a position so demanding, a player his age would buckle but he does not. He's incredibly confident, and just as effective. His anticipation makes any long ball on the opposing team completely ineffective. He's a no-nonsense defender too, going into duels with great strength. If the ball is bouncing in a dangerous position, he doesn't hesitate to boot it as far forward as possible. His tackles are also strong and clean, making him an asset in possession recovery.    Wakefield High School has been mentioned in two other articles. You can read the first one <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/11/nchsaa-playoffs-best-players-round-one-part-4/">here</a>, and the second one <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/12/4a-playoff-best-teams-best-players/">here</a>.

Saving the best for last, as Wakefield High School finishes this series. Finishing as the top-ranked team in the state and top 20 in the country is a well-deserved reward after their impressive season. Winning their conference, the 4A East region, and the state championship in resounding fashion, Wakefield played with no doubt that they were the best. A +70 goal difference, averaging over 3 goals a match and less than one conceded per match only partly shows how fantastic they were. This team is not lacking any talent, and these five are the best of the best.